Deals of the day
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Banjaar Tola Lodge is situated along the banks of the Banjaar River overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park. Two intimate camps of nine tents each are built on the banks of the still river overlooking the national park.
Each elegant camp boasts its own pool with outdoor as well as indoor lounge options and interactive dining areas. Bastar bell metal work, Gond artwork and intricate stone carvings adorn the guest areas and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Our jungle safari resort in Kanha National Park is nestled amid 90 acres of private Sal forest interspersed with grasslands and a seasonal lake. The cuisine at the camp celebrates tribal flavours presented with all-time favourites to titillate every palate.
Sunlight dappling through towering sal trees and grasslands filled with limpid pools, Kanha brings to mind the raw wilderness of the African veldt. India’s most famous and handsome jungle can be found deep inside Madhya Pradesh, in the heart of tiger territory.
Guest Rooms
Designed with a light footprint to protect the surrounding riverine environment, the 18 tented suites at Banjaar Tola are set on raised platforms. Wide glass doors open onto private decks overlooking the river, offering panoramic views of the wilderness beyond.
Pressed bamboo floors and wall panels combine with fabrics in delicate tones of saffron, forest green and earthy cinnamon to create a light and airy feel. A king-sized bed with a multitude of pillows and a couple of lounge beds on the deck offer guests indoor and outdoor lounging options.
A cleverly located butler hatch allows butlers to place freshly plunged coffee in the mornings without an intrusion on guest privacy. Selected pieces of Gondi artwork and bell metal figurines from the Chattisgarh region nearby, lend the dwelling a local flavour.
A gigantic sink-in ottoman, canvas wardrobes with leather detailing and handcrafted driftwood furniture notch up the glamour quotient of a luxury camping experience.
Air-conditioned ensuite bathrooms feature a shower area and a bath, both screened by delicate blinds that can be drawn to view the lush green forest around.
Wrought iron chairs, a tall floor lamp and a driftwood tree trunk for a table holding organic bath salts; are all evocative of a safari camp from yesteryears. Experience the best of jungle safari at our resort in Kanha National Park!
Tented Suite
Revel inchic and glamorously designed tented suites at Banjaar Tola at Kanha National Park. Each of the jungle lodge’s stilted tents features spectacular glass doors that lead out to a floating verandah with a stunning view of the Banjaar river and the core zone of Kanha National Park.
Bonnet Breakfast
A sumptuous breakfast is set up on the safari vehicle bonnet deep in the jungle. Freshly baked muffins and cookies along with sandwiches, fresh fruit and hot kathi rolls are washed down with freshly plunged coffee and a selection of teas. A perfect refuelling for the rest of the morning safari.
Bush Dinner
The bush dinners at Banjaar Tola have a fairy tale quality. Multitudes of lanterns light up a clearing in the forest while gentle aromas from clay ovens fill the air. A rustic wooden cart serving refreshing drinks beside a bonfire is a wonderful start to the evening revelry.
Dining tables are scattered about and a row of interactive live cooking counters are stationed at one end. Some local delicacies like the ‘Baiga’ chicken and desserts like ‘malpuas and rabdi’ are greatly relished.
The Baiga dancers in traditional dress move lithely as the compelling drumbeats make guests want to join in. A sumptuous feast, jungle tales and tribal dancers are ingredients for a most memorable dining experience.
Private Dinner
The private wooden deck of each tent with the quiet waters of the river below and the surrounding forest is a magical spot for a private dinner. The evening has a fairy tale beginning with a pathway of flower petals leading to a drawn bath and wine chilling in the bucket.
Moving out to the deck, guests are greeted by a smart butler beside a beautifully laid table for two. A choice menu showcasing the finest of local flavours is presented in a seamless service. It is an indescribable sublime atmosphere mingling elements of thrill, romance and being one with the wilderness.
Poolside Dinner
Each camp at Banjaar Tola has a pool with a gorgeous location beside a tree grove. A dinner here is a delight through the seasons.
An elegant set up with classy dinnerware and lamps provide a stunning contrast of high end luxury dining with the dense rugged jungle as a backdrop. Tables in a neat row are set at a distance to facilitate quiet conversations and appreciation of the soft wilderness sounds.
Interactive Culnary Sessions
Unveiling the secrets of Indian cooking, where guests learn and taste simple dishes is a popular evening activity. The spacious open deck in the common guest area is set up with a small stove and an array of spices, chopped herbs and vegetables in various colours and textures.
The personable chef takes the visitors on a culinary journey of traditional Indian delights. Guests taste and inhale the tantalising aroma of various spices as they participate in preparing simple recipes.
Understanding the therapeutic properties of traditional herbs and spices makes for an absorbing culinary session. Once the cooking is done, guests get to have their curry and eat it too.
Kanha National Park
The magnificent forest tract of Kanha National Park straddles the two districts of Mandla and Balaghat in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. These areas have enjoyed protection since 1879 as a reserve forest, subsequently being declared a National park in 1955 and a Tiger Reserve in 1973.
This region used to be a part of ‘Gondwana’, or land of the Gond tribe which still inhabit the region. The Baiga are the other prominent tribe living here.
Located on the Maikal Hills of the Satpura range; Kanha constitutes the classic landscape of the Central Indian highlands with gently sloping hills, misty dense forests and river valleys. Kanha National Park is one of the largest parks in the country spreading over 2000 square kilometres.
These jungles are prime tiger habitat and are a conservation success story for Barasingha or the hard ground swamp deer. From about 60 individuals or so in the 1960’s to over 750 deer in the recent census, the Barasingha are back from the brink of extinction.
Flora
Kanha vegetation is mixed deciduous with Sal (Shorea robusta) as the dominant species. Sal is a towering tree that can grow up to a height of 30 metres and is seldom leafless, making for a green jungle year round. The tree is prized locally not only for timber but for various medicinal uses.
The resin obtained from Sal is used to treat Arthritis, while the butter is used for lighting oil lamps. Bamhani Dadar – one of the highest points in the park is a rocky plateau that has scrub like vegetation with short hardy plants and grasses.
A variety of trees growing on the slopes are Bael or stone apple, Tendu, Jamun or Indian blackberry, Tamarind and Mahua to name a few. Arjuna trees with smooth white trunks are usually found growing on river banks while swathes of Bamboo occur intermittently.
Various species of grasses are found in the Kanha meadows, chief among them being ‘Kans’, from the Saccharum family, of which the delicious sugarcane is also a member. Some of the finest specimens of the Crocodile bark trees can be seen in Kanha.
As the name suggests, this robust looking tree has a bark that resembles the ridged pattern on a crocodile’s back. The Kanha jungles have a temperate climate and relatively cool year round.
The temperate climes of Kanha abound with myriad fruiting trees and grasslands swaying with succulent grasses. Such natural bounty provides for a thriving and varied animal population at Kanha national park.
Safari Drives
Twice daily Safari Drives are conducted by expert naturalists in specially designed 4X4 vehicles with theatre style seating. Morning safaris start shortly after sunrise. Along with the thrill of tiger tracking, is a memorable stop for a picnic breakfast.
Afternoon safaris last a couple of hours and end at sunset. Shortly after day break, the guests at Banjaar Tola get comfortable in specially designed safari vehicles and make their way towards the Kanha National park.
Driven by an experienced naturalist the guests are greeted with dense jungles, grasslands laden with mist and a deep orange orb for a sun in the sky; – a typical mystical Kanha morning.
Misty cool mornings are a trademark of the region even during the warmer months and make for fabulous photographic opportunities. Kanha is rich in biodiversity with an excellent population of tigers and leopards.
The Barasingha (hard ground swamp deer) are the mascots of Kanha and herds can be seen in grasslands as well as in Tals or ponds feeding on aquatic plants. During the breeding season in winter, it is interesting to watch the big males decorate their antlers with leaves and grass to attract a doe.
Bird enthusiasts find Kanha a treasure box of winged gems. Scarlet Minivets, Rosy Starlings and the vibrant blue of Indian rollers are startling in their beauty, while some others have amusing calls.
Stargazing
The Taj Safari lodge in Banjaar Tola is located in pristine jungle environments, where guests have the luxury of viewing a vast expanse of very starry skies. After a day of adventure and excitement in the jungle, watching the brilliant night sky is a very relaxing activity.
The constant North Star and the Milky Way are especially exciting to young guests. Listen to interesting trivia and stories as naturalists acquaint you to the life of the night sky.
Village visit
Visiting a tribal village on the periphery of the Kanha National park is like taking a step back in time. Gond and Baiga are the two prominent tribes found here. These were a hunter –gatherer, forest dwelling communities that practised a harmonious coexistence with nature.
Remnants of that lifestyle can still be glimpsed here, although the younger generations are fast adapting to modern ways. Even today the primary source of livelihood of continues to be farming and cattle rearing.
Baiga Tola and the nearby Manji tola (tola meaning settlement in Gondi) are two tribal villages that guests often visit. The house proud tribes have artistic mud plastered homes decorated with motifs from nature.
Each home is equipped with an animal shed, a wood storage area and a kitchen garden. Tattoos in geometric patterns are sported by women laden with traditional jewellery. Interesting keepsakes can be purchased from the travelling fair that moves from one village to another, each day.
Wild Kids At Taj
Our lodge situated in the heart of nature is the perfect setting to rekindle a sense of discovery, adventure in the outdoor and a deep rooted love for nature. Children learn through exciting activities and interaction with our naturalists.
